A tragedy has struck us. I never thought it would come to this. That I come to write an obituary for the closest and dearest aunts of all. My aunt Reema, may Allah have peace on her soul, age 35, mother of 2 girls and 1 boy, was cowardly shot while she was asleep. The assailant is her husband.

My aunt is (and I refuse to say was) the definition of youth, potential and an example of local women leadership. In her life that was cut short, she gathered tremendous support and love from everyone she met or whoever crossed her path. She is an example to everyone, with her level of education, her perseverance, and her elegance.

In 21st Century Jordan, she resembles where an individual should strive for. Her work for the local universities, for the local schools and graduate studies has affected hundreds of young local females.

In 21st Century Jordan, she presents the example of local leadership that works against all odds, to reform her surroundings, to present a better future for those who follow in her shadow, and to bring the bottom-up revolution we all seek for.

In 21st Century Jordan, aunt Reema presents the model for all Muslim women around the world: a model of conservatism and modernism, that adheres to the local cultural values, yet, flourish where many have failed.

In 21st Century Jordan, my aunt Reema AbdulHafez Al-Abed, was shot dead in her sleep.

1. All mosque leaders and tribe aldermen need to educate their local societies about the roles and responsibility of men towards their wives, and how to treat them with respect and dignity.

2. Local women centers need to educate women about their rights and their options to avoid physical and mental abuse.

3. Women must not be scapegoated every time in order to protect her name and her kids. We have seen the price of that!

4. Marriage between cousins or 2nd cousins must be brought to an end. The majority of marriages between relative end up carrying the strains of old blood between family members.

5. All those liars who claim to be magicians or practice voodoo must be exposed and sent to jail to rot there, where they belong.

How many women should be killed before we wake up? before our government and or King Abdullah and Queen Rania do something? seriously these souls are not toys! these women are the root, source and reflection of the future Jordan. what future are we looking at now?

The Royal Family and The Government, As authority figures, I ask you to speak out and convert all the legislations into actions on the violent crimes against women in Jordan. To make Reema Al-Abed, a 35 years old woman, a mother of three who was shot in her sleep by her husband for no sin, the last victim.

We REFUSE to let you die in vain. We will have the courage to face your tragic loss with heads held high, and show the world what you have taught us and kept teaching us. You will light the road in your death as you did when you were alive.